French luxury hospitality brand Sofitel, has ushered in a new era in its Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, with an expanded Post Modern lobby lounge and a reimagined bar…
From the moment you walk or drive up to the porte-cochere of the Sofitel Los Angeles at the intersection of Beverly Drive and LaCienega Blvd., the charming and welcoming South of France aesthetic is evident from the giant terracotta potted olive trees, white cushioned benches, candlelit lanterns, and arched columns with rattan-style pendant lamps dangling behind the front glass that beckon for a closer look inside.
What awaits upon entering is a jaw-dropping unfolding of a glamorous story: A stunning transformation of the lobby lounge into a light and airy oasis awash in monochromatic white hues and golden accents with an art deco meets post-modern design. The scene is stylish, inviting, and above all, a relaxing place to escape and linger on one of the curved sofas and geometrically designed chairs layered with rich textures and fabrics from chenille to mohair and boucle to leather.
Image credit: Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
“We are delighted to welcome our guests into the newly renovated lobby and bar,” said Eric Lemaire, Area General Manager at Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. “Every detail was thoughtfully designed with comfort and style in mind, ensuring the space leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re settling into a quiet corner to enjoy our library or simply passing through on the way to a meeting, the environment is meant to inspire. The renovation brings together the vibrant energy of California sunsets with the French art de vivre that defines Sofitel.”
Taking the hotel to this high-level of cinematic splendour is none other than celebrated Hollywood production and set designer Charles Infante who has worked on award-winning music videos for globally well-known artists.
Image credit: Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
Everything is a custom-made design from the graphic wallpaper and carpets to the fluted walls, gold mirrors with bevelled edges, and LED backlit graphic plaster shapes behind the lobby spiral staircase that evoke an art installation. Nearby, a dedicated ‘selfie’ alcove showcases a hanging swing covered in plush fabric, set in front of a mirrored sunrise motif, flanked by shiny gold laser palm trees, which are sure to be popping-up on Instagram and TikTok soon.
If you are arriving or returning to the Sofitel after sunset, a Candle Ritual awaits starting from the driveway, leading to the lobby and setting an irresistible romantic tone. Inspired by 1860s Paris, where more than 56,000 oil lamps illuminated ‘The City of Lights’. This is a unique sensory journey that only adds to the allure of the extraordinary new surroundings. Every evening, as night falls, Sofitel hotels around the world take part in this ritual.
Image credit: Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
This warm and inviting glow is also carried through at both the front desk and the concierge desk, adding to the excellent, heartfelt service and attention to detail. Here, you will find Bernardaud Limoges votive light pieces displayed as part of the collaboration between Sofitel and Bernardaud, the renowned French porcelain house.
For designer Charles Infante, a California native, he was inspired by the sun-kissed charm of the French Riviera, intersecting with the glamour of old Hollywood. He leaned into post modernism, Art Deco, and French elegance while staying true to the laid-back yet urban chic California lifestyle.
These worlds converge and unfold, just like a good story, when you follow the geometric tile floors made up of honey onyx travertine, creamy Macchia Vecchia marble, and Saint Laurent noir stone – leading to a library area with a wall of shelving holding a curated array of art, travel, and culture books, peppered with vintage objects d’art. Continue down the long corridor space of cozy nooks, separated by sculptural illuminated shelves, with sexy curved sofas framed by wall art installations of fabric-made sunsets in soft hues, inspired by the Hollywood Bowl. Here, guests can relax and mingle while ordering a cocktail or bite to eat and peer in at the newly revamped bar scene.
Image credit: Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
The palpable French flair and elegance is also evident in this intimate space with an array of light, sun-washed colours. “We carried the same energy into the bar but with a softer palette using pink hues and mauve plaster,” said Infante. “We wanted it to feel like you are stepping into another world and going on a seductive vacation in the Riviera.”
The horseshoe-shaped marble bar top remains, but the room is now open and airy with custom coral breeze blocks, white fabric palm trees, and comfortable, conversational table groupings with pink-hued settees and banquettes, near floor-to-ceiling glass windows, framed by arches with the late afternoon sunlight melding into moonlight. Overhead lighting reveals a cluster of playful circular reeded bamboo fixtures with a pink disco ball in the middle casting a glow on the mosaic marble floor tiles, faceted peach mirror walls and the new stage.
The atmosphere is playful, sexy, and inclusive yet exclusive where past performances have included Grammy-winners and superstars from Stevie Wonder to Marc Anthony and Anderson Paak who has been a regular guest over the years. With every seat in the house leading to a good vantage point for enjoying a performance while you sip a custom cocktail. This is one of the best places in LA to view exceptional live music with a sophisticated industry crowd, sprinkled with French zest and joie de vivre.
Main image credit: Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
